Mussoorie is a scenic hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located 35 kilometres from Dehradun. The hill station is nicknamed “The Queen Of Hills” since it is located at the foothills of the Garhawl Himalayan peaks. The shrines of “Gangotri” and “Yamunotri” are also accessible from here. Because of the rains during the monsoons and the cold during the winters, the optimum time to visit is between mid-March and mid-November.
Climatic Condition
Mussoorie has a highland climate due to its location in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and its high elevation. Summers are moderate and pleasant, while winters are cold and snowy. Maximum temperatures never exceed 25 degrees Celsius throughout the summer months of April and June. Rainfall is particularly heavy in the months of July and September. The winter months, which last from October to February, are known for snowfall and temperatures as low as 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Time to Visit
Because the region is prone to floods and landslides during the rainy season, Mussoorie is best visited after the monsoons have passed. Beginning in October, the winter months offer the most delightful weather and activities. The village is well-known for its lovely scenery and is a favourite honeymoon destination. People who want to get the most out of Mussoorie should go between the middle of February and the middle of April. If you are fan of Snowfall then winter is the best time to visit.
How to Reach
Being a well-known hill town in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, it is well connected to the rest of the country via highways and trains. Buses and cabs can be travelled via Dehradun for up to INR 1000, plus an additional Rs.50 for night expenses. Shared Taxis are also available, and the journey from Dehradun to Mussoorie normally takes roughly 90 minutes. The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, which has flights from Delhi. Dehradun is once again the closest railway station, with trains running from all major Indian railway stations via Delhi.
Accessibility And Accommodation
Traveling on foot is the greatest way to appreciate and get the most out of Mussoorie. Vehicles are prohibited from entering the mall until 10 p.m. Outside of town, rickshaws and taxis can be used to move about. The famous Kempty falls can also be reached by bus from the Kempty bus station. Mussoorie, as a tourist town, has been known for its luxury hill resorts since the British raj, and there are lots of places to stay that suit any tourist budget.
Here is a list of the top 10 Mussorie Attractions:
1. Kempty Falls
The Kempty Falls are surrounded by towering mountain ranges and are located at an elevation of around 1,364 metres above sea level, providing a beautiful setting to simply relax and listen to the sound of the water as it falls on the rocky bed of the river below, amidst the lush green surroundings.
2. Happy Valley
Happy Valley, the heart of the Tibetan settlement in Mussoorie, is a short distance from the mall road. This is where Tibetans initially came in India after fleeing Lhasa in 1959, headed by their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, before relocating to Dharamsala. The town is lined by oaks and deodars, and there are several modest hotels and cafeterias. As you wander deeper into the town, you will get a sense of peace that you will not find anywhere else.
3. Lal Tibba
With an elevation of almost 2,290 metres above sea level, the tallest hill in Mussoorie affords some incredible and never-before-seen vistas of the Himalayas that contain the holy sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath. A Japanese telescope has been built at the edge of the cliff to provide visitors a better view of the gorgeous surroundings, and the area is also well maintained from most commercial activity.
4. Camel’s Back Road
The road is named for the rock that is shaped like a camel’s hump on its back and spans for roughly 3-4 kilometres from Kulri market to Mussoorie’s Library Chowk. The road is perfect for a walk because it provides spectacular views of the valley and mountains. The location is ideal for photographers who want to capture stunning images of Mussoorie’s valley and surrounding mountains.
5. Mussoorie Lake
The lake was recently built as a picnic place by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, and is located 6 kilometres on the Mussoorie-Dehradun route. A great small lake made by a natural waterfall; on the way down from the road to the lake, there is a good small waterfall; you can watch duck swimming in the lake; you can also rent a paddle boat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
6. Sir George Everest’s House
The home was built in 1832 for Sir George Everest, the great surveyor and geographer after whom the world’s tallest peak is named. He spent roughly 30 years in Mussoorie, and the mansion contains some fascinating information about the legendary guy. It is 6 kilometres from Gandhi Chowk / Library Bazaar and is reachable by car, though the route beyond Haathi Paon (elephant’s foot) is rather difficult.
7. Christ Church
Christ Church, erected by the British during their colonisation of India in 1836, is one of the oldest churches in the Himalayan highlands. The stained glass windows in the Church, which feature Gothic design and architectural elements, depict events from Jesus Christ’s life. Apart from that, the Church’s high altar depicts Jesus Christ’s sufferings. The church’s walls and interiors are tastefully adorned to attract tourists’ attention.
8. The Mall
It’s also known as the Mall Road, and it’s a shopper’s paradise with everything in one place. The Mall is Mussoorie’s lifeline, with practically everything located along one stretch. The Mall has it all: attractions, hotels, restaurants, and stores.
9. Bhatta Falls
Bhatta Falls is a recently developed picnic spot near Mussoorie. Located at about 7 kms from main Mussoorie city, Bhatta Falls is still untouched by commercialization and has natural stream of water flowing down the hills.
10. Adventure Park in Mussoorie
Ikya Island is a newly-opened adventure park situated en-route to Mussoorie which offers exciting adventure sports for tourists who are looking more than just sightseeing.